Discover landscapes as untamed as they were hundreds of years ago.
Thousands of acres of parkland, preserves and pristine waterways make Seminole County one of Florida’s best environments to discover nature firsthand. Whether canoeing on crystal-clear rivers, enjoying an airboat ride on majestic lakes, or hiking or horseback riding on scenic trails, you’ll see abundant flora and fauna and a wealth of wildlife. Bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, manatees, alligators, turtles, otters and deer are just a few of the natives you’ll encounter. Visit one of the many wilderness areas for such delights as “The Senator,” one of the oldest Bald Cypress trees in America standing 138 feet tall. Or stop by The Central Florida Zoological Park for a look at 400 native and exotic animals from around the world.
Black Bear Wilderness Area
The 1650-acre Black Bear Wilderness Area (BBWA) was purchased to preserve its diverse array of habitats, which include Mixed Hardwood Swamp, Floodplain Swamp, Floodplain Marsh and Hydric Hammock. The trail system takes visitors through the Hydric Hammock and onto a historic levee to its end at the St. Johns River. This is approximately a two-mile roundtrip trail. The trail system will be open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year for hiking, mountain biking and local (no trailer parking) equestrian use when seasonal conditions permit.
Black Hammock Wilderness Area
The Black Hammock Wilderness Area, a 700 acre joint purchase with the St. Johns River Water Management District, was acquired as part of a comprehensive effort to preserve significant habitat along the shores of Lake Jesup. A round trip hike of approximately 4.5 miles of trails will take you through habitats such as Mixed Hardwood Swamp, Sand Pine Scrub and Pine Flatwoods. Wildlife observed on this site includes the Barred Owl, White-tailed deer, Bobcat and Eastern Hognose Snake. The variety of habitats and beautiful boardwalk and trail system makes this park a popular destination for local equestrians (no trailer parking), mountain bikers, hikers, photographers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Central Florida Zoological Park
3755 NW U.S. Hwy 17-92
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (407) 323-4450
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Connect with nature in just a few hours. Stroll along winding pathways to encounter 100's of mammals, reptiles and birds close-up. Weekend animal programs. A favorite for kids of all ages.
Chuluota Wilderness Area
3895 Curryville Rd
Chuluota, FL 32766
Phone: (407) 349-0959
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White-tailed deer, gopher tortoises and Sherman's fox squirrels abound in Chuluota Wilderness Area's 625 acres of mesic hammock and hardwood swamp.
Econ River Wilderness Area
3795 Old Lockwood Rd
Oviedo, FL 32765
Phone: (407) 349-0959
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The Econ River Wilderness Area includes three miles of trails along the Econlockhatchee River, a natural habitat for the golden mouse and great horned owl.
Geneva Wilderness Area
3501 N. County Rd 426
Geneva, FL 32732
Phone: (407) 349-0959
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Geneva Wilderness Area's 180 acres include a campground, hiking and biking trails and the Ed Yarborough Nature Center, a learning center with a variety of exhibits and educational materials that introduce visitors to the local ecology of Seminole County. The Center's exhibits include living terrariums complete with native flora and fauna, a bird feeding station, insect and butterfly displays and more.
Lake Jesup Wilderness Area
5951 S. Sanford Ave.
Sanford, FL 32773
Phone: (407) 349-0959
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Wildlife lovers will find another three miles of trails in the 490-acre Lake Jesup Wilderness Area where lakeside benches provide a great viewing platform for spotting bald eagles and alligators.
Lake Proctor Wilderness Area
920 W. State Road 46
Geneva, FL 32732
Phone: (407) 349-0959
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More than six miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails await explorers of Lake Proctor Wilderness Area, home to the Florida worm lizard and red fox.
Site is designed solely as a canoe launch.
Spring Hammock Preserve
2984 Osprey Trail
Longwood, FL 32750
Phone: (407) 349-0959
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Once known as "Devil's Bend," Spring Hammock Preserve offers visitors access to more than 1,500 acres of wilderness on the western border of Lake Jesup. Fish at Soldier's Creek, visit the Environmental Studies Center, or gape in awe at "The Senator," a 3,500 year-old Cypress.
Connect with nature in just a few hours. Stroll along winding pathways to encounter 100's of mammals, reptiles and birds close-up. Weekend animal programs. A favorite for kids of all ages.
